Chardonnay is a varietal that I quite like, after all, it is one of the Champagne grapes! However, it seems like it has had a hard time of late just being itself. A while back we were all palate bombed with overly oakey versions of varying quality, and now, we can’t walk more than two steps in the wine store without “buttery” being the buzzword. While I don’t mind a little diacetyl here and there as well as some oak, too much isn’t always better.

Bearing that in mind my cellar selection for lunch today I feel is a good portrayal of all the nice things Chardonnay can be when allowed to have its own personality, and food friendly too! I chose the 2015 Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay. This wine is rated at an 88 and a best buy according to Wine Enthusiast. I grew up near this winery and so their wines always have a special appeal to me.

So on to our lunch! I made this hearty and delicious recipe from Thug Kitchen. This recipe is from their first cookbook. Chickpeas are blended with lemon juice, dill, onion and however much hot sauce you want. Smoked almonds add in amazing flavor and a satisfying crunch. Avocado, lettuce and tomato on some deli fresh marble rye, slap on some dijon and the makings of a healthy and filling lunch are complete.

The softness of the wine was a nice palate enhancer in between bites of sandwich. It is well balanced with fruit and gentle oak, which gives it a bit of richness, that I felt complemented the food well.

Are you going to try this for lunch? If you do, let us Grape Geeks know how it turned out!